Commentary: Unless Republicans in Congress challenge Donald Trump’s conduct, Democrats winning back the House might now be a matter of national security.
U.S. intelligence services unanimously say Russia interfered in our 2016 elections and plans the same for 2018. Twelve Russian military officers are under indictment; and the 29-page indictment is incredibly specific on what they did.
Monday, Trump stood beside Vladimir Putin and made clear he believed Putin’s denial of any interference. Remarkably, Trump said he couldn’t “see any reason why” Russia would interfere in our election. A huge outcry (even from Republicans) forced a fatuous cleanup effort, but Trump added that it could actually be others. Trump’s handpicked Director of Intelligence, Dan Coats, commented that the intelligence conclusion is “extremely clear” and that the Russian interference is “persistent,” “pervasive,” and “meant to undermine American democracy.”
Now he is openly acting more in Russia’s interest than in ours – and sees Russia acting in his interest. Russia helped elect Trump. Trump is an obvious asset to Russia. Russia will try to induce Americans to elect more congressional “yes-persons” for Trump this year. Can anyone doubt that, alone with Putin, Trump winked and said, “Have at it, Vlad!”?
The evidence should make any patriot demand further investigation.
Democracy is central to who we are. Massive interference by a foreign power in a close election could be fatal to our country.
Trump says and does nothing. His minions argue that it would have been impolite to say anything to Putin; but Trump insulted German, French, and English leaders publically in person.
Trump continues to attack the press. The press didn’t utter Trump’s words, adopt his submissive manner around Putin, or paint that “cat-ate-the-canary” grin on Putin’s face.
If Putin and Trump can stop the special prosecutor’s investigation prematurely, and convince the average voter that it’s all unfair press coverage, what will be left of constitutional and other “checks and balances” on the president’s power? No prosecutor. No Supreme Court, with two new Trump appointees.
Patriots must ask themselves: what would stop Trump from seriously weakening the U.S. – and/or destroying our civil liberties? Not this Republican Senate. Surely not the House Republicans trying to tear the FBI apart. Would the military interfere if Trump took unconstitutional actions clearly dangerous to our security? Unlikely. With the Supreme Court and Republican senators applauding Trump’s every move, how would such a thing ever get organized? And what a terrible thing to wish for! Dasvidanya, constitutional government.
Many Republicans have spoken up; but few in Congress have, and we haven’t seen action. They rejected additional funds for protecting elections – perhaps because Putin will backing them, not Democrats.
Now Trump wants a second “summit” — at which Putin likely will help Trump look strong.